Panel and Host Named for Abdul’s ‘Live to Dance’

Paula Abdul’s coming back to a screen near you and not very long after leaving her stint on American Idol. Live to Dance, a new dance reality show for CBS, will premiere in January 2011 and CBS has given word on it’s host and judge’s panel. Joining executive producer Abdul on the judges table will be Travis Payne and Kimberly Wyatt. Payne is probably best known as choreographer and associate director to Kenny Ortega on This Is It, the Michael Jackson film, and has worked with Janet Jackson, Miley Cyrus, Usher, and Madonna in the past. Kimberly Wyatt, an original member of The Pussycat Dolls, recently served as a judge on Got to Dance, the British version of which Live to Dance is based. Dance will be hosted by who many dub as the Aussie Ryan Seacrest, Andrew Günsberg. Günsberg has recently hosted Australian Idol. He also has a nationally syndicated radio show, Take 40 Australia (a la American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest) and has hosted Australian Network Ten’s live New Year’s Eve broadcast.

Per the CBS press release, Live to Dance “represents one of the most inclusive talent searches on television, searching for dancers with raw ability from any age group across the nation performing either solo or in a group.” The Live to Dance champion will be awarded a $500,000 grand prize. Along with being lead judge, Abdul “will also serve as coach, mentor and advocate for contestants during the performances and elimination process.” So dance fans, what do you think? Does this sound too So You Think You Can Dance? Looking forward to seeing Paula back on TV? Let us know below and join our FORUMS to discuss!

For more information on Live to Dance and open casting calls, click HERE for the official site.